Born in
João Belo,
Portuguese Mozambique, Amaral joined
Sporting CP's youth system as a 13-year-old. In 1988 he was loaned to fellow
Primeira Liga team
Académico de Viseu FC, his first game in the competition occurring on 11 September in a 1−1 home draw against
C.F. Os Belenenses. In
1989–90, Amaral first appeared in the league with his main club, starting and playing 59 minutes in a 2–1 home win over
F.C. Penafiel on 25 February 1990 courtesy of manager
Raul Águas. However,
the following season, he suffered a
car crash that sidelined him for several months; when he regained full fitness he was used mainly as a
substitute, his best input at the
Estádio José Alvalade consisting of 13 matches in
1992–93. In the summer of 1994, Amaral joined
S.L. Benfica. He was played sparingly during his spell there, being best remembered for a disallowed goal in
the second leg of the
Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira against
FC Porto:
Vítor Baía saved a clear shot using his hands well off the
penalty area, Amaral managed to insert the ball in the goal but
referee Donato Ramos called for
offside, in spite of no visible interference from any attacking player. Subsequently, Amaral went on to represent in quick succession, always in the top division,
FC Felgueiras (being managed by
Jorge Jesus and
being relegated), Belenenses,
Vitória F.C. and
C.D. Santa Clara. Whilst at the service of the latter side, on 14 May 2000, he scored in a 3–2 win against
Vitória de Guimarães after an individual effort. At the age of 30, Amaral moved straight into the
third level, where he appeared for
Atlético Clube de Portugal and
S.C. Olhanense. After retiring altogether in 2005, he began working as a coach. ==International career==